Humorous and insightful commentary about art and life in general. Exhibition reviews, explorations on creativity and essays about stuff that happens to all of us in everyday life.

Thursday, April 5, 2012

What business is it of yours?

Perhaps it is time to come out from under my rock and see if anything has calmed down enough to allow for a moment in the sun. Alas, such is not the case and my little underground shelter may be the best (or should I say safest) place for now. If you believe in astrology then us Sags are given to having a big mouth with a little filter. Sags and social media do not mix well, hence my self-imposed isolation inside a hidey hole.

A few years ago, I did a painting for my “Closer to the Edge” show subsequently renamed the “One Night Stand” show (Akron 2009). It became the postcard and has been out and about a few times on exhibit but for the most part many people do not understand it. At this point in time (is it 1968 all over again?) it seems like a relevant image to post with a bit of editing to the statement for broader application of intent.

There Is No Business, Like Your Business, And It Is My Business To Know!

24 x 30

Acrylic on Canvas

2009

Her name (has been changed to protect the innocent so you pick one). Her sin is being who she is. This painting is about not being able to talk about anything that makes you who you are (or me who I am). Society has topics that are “hot button” issues. Today, these issues are posted allover social media, detailed to death on the radio, and even reprinted with edits in newspapers.Someone gets mad or offended or opinionated and the next thing you know, the internet or airwaves go nutso! (I was going to say “bat shit” but that would not be very nice).

The taped paper says “You’re Invited” but with the international symbol for “do not” included as well. You may be invited to the forum, but you don’t dare say anything, hence the duct tape across her mouth.The three body areas represent the “see no evil” (caution tape over the pelvic area), “hear no evil” (The Scream), and “speak no evil”, but she is evil for even existing as far as some members of society are concerned. Alcohol and a cigarette are sinful to many people; we even have laws against them in one form or another.The hair is reminiscent of Medusa’s snakes.How come bad girls always seem to have hair issues?

So what are the topics that are taboo; the parts of us that we cannot share though they are who we are, entwined within our being?Start by my signature and go clockwise up and over the central figure.

Gun = hobbies, guns, shooting, violence, war

The male and female symbols = family and family relationships and children

Gift box = giving of gifts, giving in general, donations, contributions and so on

Question mark….(see below)

Fat cross = health related things (think red cross but I have to deal with copyrights), squeezing out every last drop, access to health care, treatment

G Clef = music likes and dislikes, when, where and how loud

Big Cross = religion and beliefs

Pencil = what you write or how you write, when you write and are you right?

The caution tape = watch out, be careful, you are warned, don’t cross that line…

Vote button = politics

Big bow= fashion choices

Underwear showing = I had a painting pulled from a show once due to a square inch of white underwear showing on one of my figures.

Her earrings are the only safe topic!! Weather….oh wait, the sun has been cancelled due to global warming….add that to the list too; can’t even talk about the weather anymore. Shall we discuss color? The background is predominately green because the underlying issue is usually envy in one form or another. Now, would you like to join me over here by the edge of sanity? Oh wait again…..the asking of questions is not allowed either. The motivation behind my asking could be misinterpreted.

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About Me

I have been a working artist for over 35 years. My paintings have been included in shows all across the United States as well as in solo exhibitions. Visit my gallery site (www.judikrew.com) for more information and a look at some of my acrylic paintings, pastel drawings and hoard couture dresses. I have a BFA in Painting and Drawing from the University of Akron Honors Program and an MA in Art Education from Case Western Reserve University.